The owner of Olympus Pools took the stand today. James Staten is accused of taking $1.5 million from customers and not following through on their pools. Investigators say he used the money for super bowl tickets, trips and jewelry. Staten says he had an agreement with another pool contractor, Jordan Hidalgo, to help finish the pools when he realized he needed more money. “And in exchange for that plus some other consideration which I can answer if you ask, but plus other things, in exchange, I was going to give him half of the company once we got it turned around,” Staten testified. “Okay. So was your intent to continue to try to fulfill the orders that you had for pools, that Olympus had for pools?" his attorney asked. “Yes, that was the whole purpose of the agreement,” Staten testified. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/olympus-pools-owner-trial/67-3f3b7f04-745e-423c-98cf-13953c99babc